1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Colt
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Colt is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2004 Mitsubishi Colt. (94 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Colt weights approximately 326 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Colt, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Mitsubishi Colt (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Colt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2004 Mitsubishi Colt | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Elise | Colt |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
